Mzuzu City is set to host the fourth edition of the Mpoto Awards today at the Grand Palace Hotel.
The event is a platform that recognises artistic and creative talent from the Northern Region alongside impactful initiatives.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, one of the organisers Burnet Mulungu said all preparations for have been completed and that guests have confirmed their attendance.
“All is set and we are ready for the event this evening. Performing artists and other guests have all confirmed. As it stands, we expect a big event,” he said.
Mulungu said the event remains the platform of the Northern Region and not Mzuzu City only as other quarters believe.
He said artists from the North are included in the awards.
“The reason most winners come from Mzuzu is because Mzuzu is more active when it comes to entertainment; hence, most winners carry the day but this does not sideline the other artists,” he said.
In the past, the awards faced criticism from some stakeholders who argued that the initiative favoured artists based in Mzuzu at the expense of those from other districts.
Mulungu said the organisers plan to intensify outreach efforts to encourage wider involvement from districts such as Karonga, Rumphi, Chitipa and Nkhata Bay.
However, financial challenges have limited their ability to conduct workshops or carry out awareness activities in other districts.
“We have not been able to do that. Our main restriction being finances. But it is something we hope to pursue as the event grows,” he said.
Creatives from the North welcomed their nominations ahead of the event with some describing the recognition as an important opportunity in their careers.
Fashion designer Upile Chirwa of Upie Collections, nominated for Best Fashion Designer of the Year, said she was honoured to be part of this year’s list.
“I’m thrilled to be nominated for the Mpoto Awards as Best Fashion Designer of the year. This recognition means so much to me,” she said.
This year’s edition has introduced more categories to strengthen inclusivity.
Among others, the Best Artist of the Year category, has now been divided into Best Male Artist and Best Female Artist after female creatives previously complained of being sidelined.
